Volume 1 Volume 7 Chapter 27

Volume 7 Chapter 27: Noisy Night (Part 2)

Hearing Chou’s words, Shen Gang was slightly taken aback. Chou’s tone sounded like a joke, but Shen Gang knew him well enough to understand that he never joked. It was hard to imagine that this mysterious and always cold-blooded senior brother would jest with him. What could this seemingly half-serious statement mean?

Unexplainably, Shen Gang felt a stir in his heart, as if he had an inexplicable understanding, though he couldn’t quite put it into words. The unease and astonishment he felt earlier because of Chou killing the Fish Dragon Beast began to ease. The hidden eyes beneath the cloak looked deeply at Shen Gang for a moment, and then he ignored the dazed Shen Gang and turned to walk deeper into Tianshu Island, where the members of Seven Star Camp respectfully moved aside in fear. It wasn’t that Chou had done anything terrifying to them over the years, but his natural aura was so overwhelming, like a wild beast that preyed on humans. Seeing Chou made the members of Seven Star Camp feel like sheep faced with a wolf; no matter how strong the sheep were, they stood no chance against any wolf, no matter how weak it might be.

It is the nature of wolves to eat sheep, and it is the nature of sheep to fear wolves. Xu Qingfan, the closed-door disciple named Chou, seemed to be the nemesis of all living beings, bringing fear and awe.

Watching Chou walk farther away into the night, his figure getting smaller, Shen Gang finally snapped out of his surprise and called out to Chou, "Oh, Martial Brother Chou, Master wants you to see him right after you come back."

Hearing Shen Gang’s words, Chou paused for a moment, then said nothing and continued walking away.

From an angle where Shen Gang couldn’t see, Chou reached out five black, claw-like fingers from his black cloak, moving them as if he were calculating something. After a moment, a cold voice came from the darkness beneath the cloak.

"There is less than a year until the Azure Crystal Treasure House opens, and Master’s spirit pet is about to break free… This means Master is calling me now… Hehe, the time for revenge has finally arrived…"

As Chou whispered to himself, two dim red lights suddenly flickered to life in the darkness beneath the cloak, like the eyes of a Death God, striking fear into the heart. A chilling wind appeared around him, in a space of several feet.

Then, in a flash, Chou disappeared into the vast night.

※※※※

On the other side, as Chou’s figure vanished into the darkness, Shen Gang’s expression became serious. He turned sharply to the thirty Tianshu Camp members standing behind him, who still looked startled, and said, "Friends, Martial Brother Chou is always swift and decisive. This time, he will deal with the ‘Fish Dragon Beast’ just as efficiently. But ‘Fish Dragon Beasts’ are known for holding grudges, often living in groups of seven or eight. Each one is at least a low-level heavenly creature. If they attack, even our Rainbow Spirit Seven Islands may suffer heavy losses. To prevent unexpected incidents, we need to be extra careful in the next few days."

Shen Gang was naturally calm and generous, skilled in leadership. Although he was not the highest in rank in Tianshu Camp, the thirty members admired him deeply. After hearing his words, they all nodded in agreement.

Shen Gang strolled in front of Tianshu Camp. After pondering for a moment, he suddenly stopped, looked up, and said in a deep voice, "White Tiger, my friend, please take the first team and guard the heart of the formation. Do not leave for these ten days, and elevate the defensive formation outside the island to the third level. Do not be lazy."

"Yes, I will follow your orders."

A sturdy man, looking like a tiger, stepped forward and bowed his hands in response, then turned around and led nine members of Tianshu Camp towards the nearby stone towers, which were the heart and control center of the countless traps and formations set up on Rainbow Spirit Seven Islands over the years.

"Ma Ang, my friend, please take the second team and patrol Rainbow Spirit Seven Islands in these three days. I will divide half of the personnel from the third team to you. If you find anything strange, report back immediately."

"Understood."

An old man dressed as a Taoist replied, then selected five people from the third team, joining with the second team to make a total of fifteen, and he also turned to leave.

After pondering for a moment again, Shen Gang said to four of the remaining five, "Could you four friends please run an errand? Inform the other six camps and the guards led by Martial Brother Wang Yuxian not to practice during these days, especially not to enter seclusion. They must be ready to face an enemy attack at any time, especially the Tianshi Team and Yaoguang Team, who have been practicing like mad. It is crucial to explain the importance of this situation to them."

"Yes."

The four remaining people showed worried expressions, seeming reluctant to interact with Tianshi Camp and Yaoguang Camp, but after receiving their orders, they hurriedly left.

Seven Star Camp has more than two hundred cultivators. Although they have joined Rainbow Spirit Island for less than ten years, many have received great help from Xu Qingfan or hold deep respect for him. After arriving at Rainbow Spirit Island, they not only broke through their cultivation limits with the help of medicinal power but also obtained high-level magic tools they never even dreamed of before. Additionally, Rainbow Spirit Island is truly a holy place for cultivators, and being there has greatly benefited them. After several methods used by Xu Qingfan over the years, they have become deeply loyal to Rainbow Spirit Island and Xu Qingfan, considering themselves part of it. Originally rogue cultivators, Rainbow Spirit Island was the first place that gave them a sense of belonging. Therefore, when Shen Gang sensed the situation was serious from his tone, it wasn’t by coincidence.

After the four left, Shen Gang furrowed his brows and thought for a moment, feeling that he had not overlooked anything, and finally let out a sigh of relief.

At this moment, only an elder called Immortal Guan remained by Shen Gang’s side. He was the highest in cultivation and the most exceptional in mind within the Tianzhu Team. Before coming to Rainbow Spirit Island, he had already reached the Fake Golden Core Stage. After consuming two "Immortal Ascending Pills," he further advanced to the early stage of the Real Golden Core Stage, making him one of only three Real Golden Core Stage experts in Seven Star Camp, and the top expert in Tianshu Camp.

Looking up, Shen Gang noticed Immortal Guan’s eyes flickering as if he wanted to say something. Shen Gang quickly bowed and asked, "Elder, do you think there is a problem with my arrangements just now? You are the elder, and if there is anything wrong, please give me your guidance."

Hearing Shen Gang’s sincere tone, which was not pretentious, a hint of appreciation flashed in Immortal Guan’s eyes. Shen Gang was Xu Qingfan’s closed disciple and had achieved the Fake Golden Core Stage at a young age, far more promising than this old man, who had barely reached the Real Golden Core Stage with the help of medicinal power. However, Immortal Guan could see that Shen Gang genuinely respected him, so he also treated Shen Gang sincerely.

"I appreciate your willingness to learn," Immortal Guan said with a frown. "However, I think that with the defenses around Rainbow Spirit Seven Islands and the various formations in place, our Tianzhu Team’s strength should be sufficient. If we manage the formations well, even if the ‘Fish Dragon Beasts’ attack, we can delay them for a long time. During this time, we can inform everyone on the island of the impending attack. Why notify the other six camps for their defenses now? Especially Tianji Camp and Yaoguang Camp—they have always felt unsatisfied with you, Sixth Young Master. If we inform them without notifying their leaders first, they might not listen. If the ‘Fish Dragon Beasts’ ultimately do not attack, it would be a significant blow to your reputation, Sixth Young Master."

Among the Seven Star Camp, Tianshu Camp is responsible for controlling various formations around Rainbow Spirit Seven Islands. Since there are no high cultivation requirements, the members of Tianshu Camp are the weakest in Seven Star Camp, apart from Yaoguang Camp, in terms of talent and personal strength. Although Shen Gang earned the respect and trust of all cultivators in Tianshu Camp over the years, others did not understand his abilities and viewed him merely as someone who gained power thanks to being Xu Qingfan’s disciple. Because of this, the other six camps looked down upon Tianshu Camp and Shen Gang.

Undoubtedly, the strongest camp is Tianji Camp. Xu Qingfan aims to train a group of elite cultivators, and this group is Tianji Camp. They are the best in talent, character, and perseverance among the Seven Star Camp and usually stay on Tianji Island, the most suitable place for cultivation, where they also receive the best supplies of pills and magic tools. Even though their cultivation levels do not allow them to retreat there for prolonged periods, their strength is significantly higher than that of the other six camps, and their improvement rate is the fastest. Pride is part of human nature. With Dongfang Quan, who is somewhat arrogant and intentionally cultivates this mindset, apart from a few, the cultivators of Tianji Camp do not think much of the others and focus solely on their cultivation and improvement.

In addition, Yaoguang Camp was under the command of Chou, and they were originally the weakest in both talent and strength. However, for some unknown reason, their power has soared in recent years, and now they are no longer inferior to Tianji Team. Perhaps because they follow Chou, the members of this team are always cold and distant, making others feel a chill just by approaching them. The other six camps tend to respect them from afar.

Shen Gang naturally knew what Immortal Guan said, but he did this for unavoidable reasons.

"Thank you for your guidance, senior." Hearing Immortal Guan’s words, Shen Gang bowed, then suddenly changed the subject and said, "However, while the defenses of my Rainbow Spirit Seven Islands are indeed rare in the world, that Fish Dragon Beast is also a heavenly-level demon beast. You must know that over the years, every time Martial Brother Chou leaves the island, he causes great destruction. Although countless demon beasts across three thousand miles of Rainbow Spirit Island fear him like a tiger, they despise our island even more because of Martial Brother Chou’s actions. The East Sea Demon Monsters have attacked us no less than ten times in recent years. Each time, we easily drove them back, but that’s mainly because these East Sea Demon Monsters are not very intelligent and not strong enough; they just charge in recklessly. The Fish Dragon Beast, being a heavenly-level demon beast, possesses intelligence comparable to humans! If they come in attacks, with the defenses of Rainbow Spirit Island and relying solely on the strength of my Tianzhu Team, I am confident we can hold out for more than three hours, but what I fear is… that these Fish Dragon Beasts will gather numerous East Sea Demon Monsters, who have Chou with Martial Brother Chou. You must understand that the number of demon beasts in the East Sea is more than ten times that of Mythical Beasts! We must prepare for the worst. If Fish Dragon Beasts lead a mass attack and contact other heavenly-level demon beasts, then we won’t be able to stop them without the combined strength of all Seven Camps."

Immortal Guan was slightly taken aback. Unlike Shen Gang, who had been taught by Xu Qingfan since he first entered the cultivation world, he instinctively viewed these demon beasts as powerful wild animals, overlooking the fact that they had intelligence. He had truly never considered the matters Shen Gang mentioned.

But Immortal Guan asked with confusion, "Even so, don’t you think Sixth Young Master takes those demon beasts too seriously? My Rainbow Spirit Island has countless experts. Although the Seven Star Camp has a good number of members, they have made rapid progress in strength over the years, but ultimately, they are just there to assist. Why, Sixth Young Master, would you place Rainbow Spirit Island’s defenses in the hands of my Seven Star Camp? Not to mention your five senior brothers and elder martial sisters who are beyond me, Taoist friends Dongfang Qingling and Bai Qingfu, and the five protectors like Dongfang Quan are all at the Golden Core Stage. As for elders Zhang Yi and Wang Zegang, their realms are even close to the Mahayana Stage. Let alone the Island Master and the Vice Island Master, with their cultivation levels, they will surely respond the moment they discover any anomaly. At that point, what can Fish Dragon Beasts do, even if they lead a charge?"

Where there are people, there is society. This means that when more people gather, there will inevitably be managers and organizations, and a true state of everyone doing their own thing is impossible. Rainbow Spirit Island has been like this over the years.

With the growth in numbers and strength, Rainbow Spirit Island has developed an organizational structure similar to a sect’s power. Xu Qingfan, as the Island Master, goes without saying. Although Liu Ziqing has not truly joined Rainbow Spirit Island yet, he has a good rapport and is skilled in socializing; over the years, he has helped Rainbow Spirit Island a lot, so Xu Qingfan values him and appointed him as the Vice Island Master. Dongfang Qingling, Bai Qingfu, Wang Zegang, and Zhang Yi, whether because of their strength or experience, have been assigned as the four Grand Elders, each responsible for affairs related to defense, management, and welcoming guests. Dongfang Quan and the five rogue cultivators who have followed Xu Qingfan for many years are known as the Five Protectors, alongside Shen Gang and Chou, collectively managing the Seven Star Camp. Wang Yuxian and twelve Jiuhua disciples follow Xu Qingfan daily, known as Xu Qingfan’s personal guard, but in reality, it is just Xu Qingfan taking them along for better guidance. Old Beggar and Scholar Beihai are the worshippers of Rainbow Spirit Island; besides alchemy and artifact refining, they are not responsible for anything else and are quite lazy about it.

In just a few decades, Rainbow Spirit Island has already taken on the appearance and structure of a significant power.

However, hearing Immortal Guan’s words, Shen Gang wore a wry smile. What Immortal Guan mentioned were indeed the top experts of Rainbow Spirit Island. However, as a senior member of Rainbow Spirit Island, he knew that most of these experts could not take action at this time; it could be said that now was the weakest moment for Rainbow Spirit Island, and indeed, the defense of Rainbow Spirit Seven Islands could only rely on the Seven Star Camp during this period. This was the biggest reason why Shen Gang felt so tense after thinking that the Fish Dragon Beasts could not take revenge.

Seeing Shen Gang hesitating to speak, Immortal Guan’s eyes flashed with doubt, suspecting it might involve some secrets of Rainbow Spirit Island, so he refrained from asking too much on this matter. He merely suggested, "If Sixth Young Master only wants to rely on the Seven Star Camp for defense, why not inform Young Master Chou and the elders and protectors directly? They can arrange things and help control the situation. Moreover, although you are the disciple of the Island Master, taking such authority over them is also disrespectful."

After hesitating for a moment, Shen Gang sighed and said, "Senior Guan is not an outsider. There are some things I should tell you, but it’s not that I don’t want to inform the elders and guardians. It’s also not that I only want to resist the enemy attacks with the strength of the Seven Star Camp. The truth is, I can’t contact the seniors on the island right now. Martial Uncle Wang Zegang, although he leads the Seven Star Camp, is about to break through to the Mahayana Stage and is currently in closed-door training, unable to be distracted. Martial Uncle Bai Qingfu went out three months ago and hasn’t returned yet. The seniors, including Old Beggar, began to imitate the Five Elements Sacred Tool to refine five heavenly-level high-grade magical artifacts forty years ago, and they finally succeeded recently. Although they are magical artifacts, their power is not weaker than ordinary treasures. My master gave them to Dongfang Quan and the other four guardians, and they are also in closed-door training to refine them. As for Martial Uncle Liu Ziqing, he and Zhang Yi Martial Uncle are both in closed-door training to find a way to break through their current cultivation. Therefore, during this time, Rainbow Spirit Island is at its weakest, and the only one in charge of the Seven Star Camp is me."

Hearing that the top powers of Rainbow Spirit Island were all in closed-door training during this time, Immortal Guan was astonished and felt that Xu Qingfan seemed to be planning something big; otherwise, he wouldn’t be so eager for these experts to increase their strength.

"Then what about Island Master and Elder Dongfang Qingling?"

Immortal Guan asked again.

Shen Gang sighed but did not say much more.

For ten years, Xu Qingfan’s health had been getting worse, and for some reason, Ting’er’s condition had also been fluctuating. Xu Qingfan was trying to find a way to solve his own situation, so he couldn’t take action during this time. Dongfang Qingling was taking care of Xu Qingfan and Ting’er and probably couldn’t be of much help either.

Seeing Shen Gang’s expression, Immortal Guan knew that they probably couldn’t count on Xu Qingfan and Dongfang Qingling in the short term.

It was only at this moment that Immortal Guan started to feel a bit anxious. He understood the power of heavenly-level demon beasts well after experiencing the Southern Wasteland demon beast disaster. The reason he seemed unconcerned earlier was partly because of the various defensive formations of Rainbow Spirit Island and partly because there were countless powerful experts stationed on the island. However, he did not expect that the experts he relied on were either in closed-door training, away, or otherwise occupied. They were unable to fight back. With only the strength of the Seven Star Camp and the guard team, even with the numerous formations and mechanisms outside Rainbow Spirit Island, how long could they withstand the enemy?

Taking a deep breath and forcing himself to calm his unrest, he frowned and said, "I see. I hope the elders and guardians can come out soon. Otherwise, with the strength of our Seven Star Camp, the power of those formations and barriers, although strong, won’t do much."

Shen Gang nodded, turned to look at the calm sea under the night sky, imagining the tremendous waves when the Fish Dragon Beast came, and sighed quietly to himself. He said, "You don’t need to worry, Elder Guan. Not to mention the strength of Seven Star Camp and the guard team, the setup of Rainbow Spirit Island is enough to hold off those demon beasts for a long time. The Fish Dragon Beast might not even be able to follow the scent of Martial Brother Chou to find trouble for Rainbow Spirit Island. Even if they come, it might not be as grand as we imagine. I just prepared for the worst, but that worst case is only about ten to twenty percent likely."

Immortal Guan nodded silently, his anxiousness slightly eased. After a moment of hesitation, he couldn’t help but say, "Even so, Young Master Chou is taking it too far. Every time he goes out to sea, he is causing a massive slaughter. It was one thing to attract some demon beasts that hold grudges, but how could he offend the Fish Dragon Beast this time? He should know the current situation of Rainbow Spirit Island. Doesn’t he worry that Rainbow Spirit Island will be harmed? Frankly speaking, Island Master has been too indulgent with him. Over the years, he has had no restrictions, allowing him to stir up such a huge bloody tide in the East Sea. Compared to the other young Island Masters, he is…"

Immortal Guan’s words were cut off by Shen Gang, who said, "Master is never overly indulgent with anyone. Just look at Martial Brother Bai Yu; he has his reasons for what he does. We cannot guess Master’s thoughts. Moreover, while Martial Brother Chou’s actions these days may lack some consideration, he does not mean any harm… He’s simply too eager to improve his strength and too confident. I believe things will get better in the future."

Hearing what Shen Gang said, Immortal Guan sighed and replied, "Sixth Young Master, you are too lenient."

※※※※

Meanwhile, Chou had arrived outside Xu Qingfan’s room.

"Master, I am back."

Chou’s tone was as respectful as ever, but it sounded cold and chilling.

"Come in."

Xu Qingfan’s voice echoed in the room.

Chou pushed the door open and saw Xu Qingfan sitting cross-legged on the bed, his eyes slowly opening as if he was about to meditate. Black patterns flickered on his face, and at that moment, his dark pupils seemed especially large, with only a little bit of white around the edges. The meaning within them made Chou feel a chill, but he quickly returned to normal and silently knelt in front of Xu Qingfan.

"You were away for six days this time, which seems longer than usual."

As Xu Qingfan slowly closed his eyes, the room fell silent. After a long time, he suddenly spoke.

"This time, I encountered two ‘Fish Dragon Beasts.’ I took a bit longer to kill them."

Hearing Chou’s reply, Xu Qingfan nodded. He was neither surprised that Chou could kill two Fish Dragon Beasts nor anxious about their possible revenge, as if everything that would happen in the future was already under his control.

"During these days, don’t go out to sea. In a few days, I will secretly return to the Shenzhou Continent, and you should come with me."

Xu Qingfan paused for a moment before slowly speaking.

Upon hearing that Xu Qingfan, who had been living in seclusion in the East Sea for over forty years, would return to the Shenzhou Continent, Chou was slightly taken aback. Wasn’t the Azure Crystal Treasure House not going to open for another year? What was Xu Qingfan going back for? But Chou did not ask further and respectfully agreed.

After a long silence, when it was clear that Xu Qingfan had nothing more to say, Chou bent down and quietly walked away. He always showed humility and respect towards Xu Qingfan, at least until he became strong enough to threaten Xu Qingfan.

After Chou left Yuheng Island, Xu Qingfan slowly opened his eyes and looked indifferently towards the direction where Chou had gone. His eyes were completely dark, and the black patterns on his face became even more noticeable at that moment.

"He is improving so quickly; he can now kill two ‘Fish Dragon Beasts’ on his own. His strength must be at the peak of Nascent Soul. Shouldn’t I limit his development a little?"

While mumbling to himself, Xu Qingfan closed his eyes again.

Just then, a great distance away from Rainbow Spirit Island, many sea demon beasts and powerful birds in the sky were gathering together, covering the sky, and then they were heading towards Rainbow Spirit Island in a grand manner.